Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable neurological disease in dogs that leads to complete paralysis of the hindlimbs, requiring intensive nursing care and raising difficult quality-of-life decisions.
The welfare challenges of DM centre on the dog's progressive loss of autonomy and ability to engage in normal behaviours, and on the intensive nursing demands placed on owners. As hindlimb paralysis advances, dogs require regular turning to prevent pressure sores, bladder expression or catheterisation, and specialised carts or wheelchairs to maintain mobility. Many dogs adapt well to wheelchairs and maintain good quality of life for extended periods. The decision about when quality of life becomes unacceptable is deeply individual and should involve regular veterinary quality-of-life assessments, focusing on the dog's ability to engage with activities it finds rewarding.